NBA Power Rankings Week 14: Trade deadline recap
By Corey Rausch
![ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets at Amway Center on March 23, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets at Amway Center on March 23, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f80b68d5d2ca1292d02d4ac083d7df728bb2c00ea7ddbad3712161229b33e67b.jpg)
12-33. Previous: 29th. Detroit Pistons. 30. team. 64.
Last Week: Lost to Chicago Bulls 100-86, Lost to Indiana Pacers 116-112, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 113-111, Lost to Washington Wizards 106-92
This Week: 3/29 vs. Toronto Raptors, 3/31 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 4/1 vs. Washington Wizards, 4/3 vs. New York Knicks
Given the way that general manager Troy Weaver has flipped the roster so far, many fans likely expected him to be the most active participant in the trade deadline. Wayne Ellington, Mason Plumlee, Rodney McGruder and Delon Wright had all been rumored to be available.
Ultimately, it was an overnight deal with the Sacramento Kings swapping Delon Wright for Cory Joseph and a couple of second-round picks that represented the extent of the deadline moves for the Pistons. This move creates some financial flexibility for next season while refilling the second-round coffers for future deals.
The Pistons will continue to focus on internal development. Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey continue to impress with their readiness for the moment and unwillingness to back down (Stewart is always ready to rumble). Hamidou Diallo made his debut on Friday night for the Pistons, representing the next young project for the team. Killian Hayes is rumored to be returning in a couple of weeks, giving fans the chance to see the full young vision for the first time in months.
The race to the bottom intensifies and the Detroit Pistons are right in the thick of things. While some teams lose 20 games in a row and others trade their top three players at the deadline the Pistons are focused on their young core and playing tough games. While the results may end up being the same, the Detroit Pistons are mastering the art of the tank.